Sheriff Bobby Guidroz tells KLFY, that in June 2016 the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office and Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office began a joint investigation concerning stolen equipment from both parishes.

The items which were stolen ranged from backhoes, trailers, and lawn equipment which authorities said totaled over $100,000.

According to a news release, Crime Stoppers posted a photo of a stolen lawn mower on its Facebook page and received tips on a suspect involved in the theft.

Major Eddie Thibodeaux with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office said the tips from Crime Stoppers led to the identification of Christopher Sanchez, 41, of Sunset Louisiana.

Detectives then say they searched the man’s residence with a warrant, recovering a John Deere Zero-turn lawnmower which had been stolen from St. Landry Parish, two Case backhoes which were stolen from Evangeline Parish, and one 2016 Top Hat tandem axle utility trailer which was stolen from Jeff Davis Parish.

Sanchez was charged with illegal possession of stolen things, his bond was set at $25,000.